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Dave Winfield joins ESPN

March 31, 2009 | 2:52
pm

Hall of Famer Dave Winfield is joining the large group of ESPN baseball analysts, the network announced. Winfield will work mostly on Sundays and some Mondays on the "Baseball Tonight" show with host Karl Kavech and fellow analysts Peter Gammons and John Kruk. Winfield's first appearance will be Sunday at 4 p.m. Pacific time on ESPN2, on the show leading in to the opening night game between World Series champion Philadelphia and Atlanta.

“We’re thrilled to add Dave Winfield to our 'Baseball Tonight team,” said Norby Williamson, executive vice president, production.“He will be able to draw from his experiences as a Hall of Fame talent and world champion who has been a pioneer for the game in various capacities, both on and off the field.We welcome his unique voice and believe he will be a great addition to ESPN.”

Winfield was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001 and was part of the College Baseball Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 2006.He was the recipient of Major League Baseball’s Roberto Clemente Award in 1994, given annually to the player demonstrating character and making charitable contributions to the community.

Before pursuing a career in professional baseball, Winfield was such an accomplished athlete that he was drafted by the NFL (Vikings), NBA (Hawks) and ABA (Stars), in addition to the Padres.He currently serves as an executive vice president/senior advisor with the San Diego Padres. We'll assume he won't be doing any Padres games.